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LATEST NEWS : FEBRUARY 2008

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a Resolution on State Program “Year of Youth” on 29th of February 2008, UzA reported.

The program approved by the resolution envisages a complex of measures for timely solution of problems in protection of interests and rights of the youth, deepening educational reforms, ensuring employment of graduates of educational establishments.

In particular, the state document aims at improvement of the corresponding legislation and the system of education and personnel training, forming strong views and healthy lifestyle attitude among the young people, solving the employment issues, identifying and developing talents, as well as moral and material support of the young families.

From February 24 to February 26 this year the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a visit to the Republic of Korea, Jahon Information Agency reported.

On February 26 at Cheong Wa Dae presidential residence in Seoul, the capital city of the Republic of Korea, the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak met with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

During the State visit of President Islam Karimov to South Korea in March 2006 the then-mayor of the city of Seoul Lee Myung-bak conferred on the Uzbek Leader the “Honorary citizen of Seoul” rank for his enormous contribution to consolidation of friendship between the people of the two countries.

This Uzbek-Korean Summit in Seoul has served yet as another confirmation of the fact that the relations between the states based on mutual respect and trust are buttressed with friendship at the highest level. Uzbekistan and South Korea are the strategic partners. Now they are continuing to extend cooperation on such very basis.

Uzbekistan and South Korea have accumulated a profound experience in technological and investment cooperation. The establishment of the automobile building along with the Korean businessmen which is quite complex industry but yet paves the way to earn the stable profits serves as a bright example for the aforesaid.

Nowadays, the latest technologies are important as never before. As a part of the May 2005 visit to Uzbekistan of the then-President of the Republic of Korea Roh Moo-hyun, who stepped down on February 25 this year, the Tashkent University of Information Technologies hosted the opening of Information Technologies Center.

According to figures, last year the volume of trade between the two countries accounted for 850 million US dollars. This year the sides are expected to take this indicator up to 1 billion US dollars.

Korea is interested in elaboration and implementation of new projects with Uzbekistan in such areas as education, car making, textile industry, information technologies, infrastructure, construction, and oil and gas sector. During the talks with President Islam Karimov Lee Myung-bak has once again confirmed it.

Uzbekistan and South Korea also consistently extend cooperation in the framework of international organizations. The Seoul official circles highly value Uzbekistan’s support of the candidature Ban Ki-moon for the post of UN Secretary-General, who before taking the highest office in the United Nations served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea.

Uzbekistan also supports South Korea’s policy towards strengthening peace by way of cooperation of North Korea and South Korea and the joint development of northeastern Asia. The Republic of Korea supports Uzbekistan’s bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) as much as the joining of the Uzbekistan National Air Company Uzbekistan Airways the Sky Team aviation alliance.

Tashkent and Seoul pay a special attention to the joint struggle against international terrorism, extremism and drug trade. The continuity of the Uzbek-South Korean summits witnesses about the sincerity of relations between the two countries and heads of states based on mutual trust and respect.

In his February 24-26-visit Islam Karimov discussed with Lee Myung-bak the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, the outstanding regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Also as a part of stay in South Korea, President Islam Karimov visited the GM Daewoo Auto Technologies (GMDAT) plant in the city of Incheon located nearby to the west from Seoul, where he has learned about the manufacturing process.

Daewoo Company has played an important role in developing the automobile building in Uzbekistan. At the moment, Uzbekistan is expanding cooperation with GMDAT. In October last year the sides have established the GM-Uzbekistan Joint-Venture in Uzbekistan.

During the talks with GMDAT President & CEO Michael Grimaldi President Islam Karimov has discussed the course of implementation of joint projects and elaboration of new ones in the sphere of car making.

During the Seoul visit Islam Karimov has received the heads of Korean Air company and Korean Gas Corporation, also known as KOGAS. The sides have agreed on attracting the investments to Uzbekistan’s economy worth about 2 billion US dollars.

Thus, there are all grounds to state that the Uzbek Leader’s visit to the Republic of Korea has been successful. The arrangements secured during it would serve for the long-term interests of the two countries.

For three years the joint Uzbek-Japanese archeological expedition will work at the ancient city of Dabusia, according to the Pravda Vostoka newspaper.

The professor of the International scientific center for the Japanese culture studies Uno Takao is the researcher of routes of the Great Silk Road. The caravan paths also run along the Sogdian Dabusia, where the weaving, jewelry and potter crafts had prospered. Besides, the trade was lively in progress.

The Archaeology Institute at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan has supported the scientific interest of the Japanese scientists. Thus, the joint project has emerged. Amriddin Berdimuradov, Ph.D. History, has led the project from the Uzbek side. Recently he came back from Kyoto where along with his Japanese colleague has summarized the scientific results of first excavations.

“We have started the field works in spring last year”, – Amriddin Berdimuradov has said. “The first excavation was held at the southeast part of Shakhristan – the handicraft blocks at the ancient cities were named as such. We were able to go as deep as to the cultural layers of the 7th century, where we had discovered the living quarters. We have found tandyr and khum – the ceramic ware to keep grain, milk and supplies of water”.

One of the main tasks of the expedition is to determine the age of Dabusia. The author of the well-known “History of Bukhara” Narkhashiy who lived and worked in the 10th century wrote much about this magnificent city oasis along the Great Silk Road.

The results of the scientific research allowed concluding that the suburb emerged and formed in early second century B.C. We shall have to specify the concrete age of the Dabusia. The expedition is going to continue its field work late this year.

The artistic exhibition has opened in the Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan dedicated to the 15th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Russia, including in the sphere of culture, Pravda Vostoka newspaper reported.

The exhibits which were presented by the Samarkand united historical and architectural museum-reserve include the best canvases of the Russian artists who lived and worked in various years in the Uzbek soil.

The museum-reserve presents the collections of works of Russian artists who admired the nature of Turkistan and hard-working friendly Uzbek people and stayed here forever. Their artistic heritage represents a profound value. Therefore the exhibition has roused broad resonance.

The exposition of the Samarkand museum has also an enormous number of historical exhibits and not only the paintings. For example, its depository contains about 2000 orders and medals. The award medals of the 18th and early 20th centuries – the Georgian cross of 19th and early 20th centuries, and others. Mainly, all orders made from various alloys of brass, bronze and silver.

There are also medals on the history of Turkistan, in particular, the award medal from the International Paris exhibition of alcohol drinks of 1892 which was conferred on to the Samarkand Winery. According to the chief curator at the Samarkand museum-reserve O.Pogorelov, the collection of medals and orders reflect the complex and surprisingly interesting road. Beyond each of them there is a person with its fortune, its history.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov made a visit to the Republic of Korea during February 24-26, 2008, UzA reported.

On 26th of February, Islam Karimov held talks with President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak. The two leaders discussed the current state and perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues.

Lee Myung-bak confirmed his country’s interest in implementing new projects with Uzbekistan in fields like education, car building, textile, IT, infrastructure, construction, oil and gas.

The commodity turnover between the two states comprised USD 850 million last year. In 2008, the figure is expected to reach USD 1 billion.

While in Seoul, Islam Karimov visited the GMDAT plant in Inchon, where he met the company president Michael Grimaldi. The sides discussed implementation of joint projects and development of new ones.

As reported earlier, on 25th of February President Karimov held negotiations with heads of Korean Air and Korea Gas Corporation.

Economic forum of Uzbek and German business circles was held in Tashkent on February 26, 2008, UzA reported.

Minister of foreign economic relations, investments and trade of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiyev and Federal minister of economics and technology of Germany Michael Glos participated in the forum.

The German businessmen received information on the investment climate, economic reforms, privatization process and development of small and medium business in Uzbekistan.

The participants, including more than 100 representatives of 60 German companies, discussed development of economic and investment cooperation, as well as involvement of German companies in the privatization process in Uzbekistan.

To date, some 100 investment projects worth a total of EUR 1 billion have been implemented in Uzbekistan with participation of German investors. In 2007, mutual trade turnover made up USD 328.9 million.

About 140 joint ventures with German investments and 60 offices of German companies operate in Uzbekistan.

On the same day, the Uzbek-German working groups for trade and investment cooperation held a sitting.

The members of the German delegation also held talks in a number of ministries and departments in Uzbekistan on the issues of cooperation.

For the purpose of developing trade and economic cooperation between the business circles of the Russian Federation and the Uzbek Chamber of Industry and Commerce, a visit of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Uzbekistan is being organized, UzReportcom reported.

A cooperation exchange will be organized within the frame of the visit. The aim of the event is to establish cooperation between the Uzbek and Russian companies, introduce the Russian companies to Uzbek business circles, provide an opportunity for the signing of contracts, establishment of joint ventures, arrangement of exports and imports between Uzbekistan and Russia.

Within the frame of the cooperation exchange, the participants will be given an opportunity to discuss the main issues concerning bilateral cooperation as well as establishment of contacts with the Russian partners.

On March 4, 2008 the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan will invite the representatives of interested companies to participated in the event, that will be held in the conference hall of the Shodlik Palace Hotel in Tashkent.

The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted the international conference on the “Development of legal basis of state services: the experience of Germany and Uzbekistan”. National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan along with Frederick Ebert Fund (Germany) has organized the event, according to UzA.

The lawmakers of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, representatives of ministries and agencies, organizations, enterprises, foreign states, scientists, specialists and news media are reported to have participated at the event.

B.Mirbabaev, the deputy chairman of Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as A.Saidov, the director of National Center for Human Rights and others who have took a floor, have noted that Uzbekistan created the effective system and structures of executive power on ensuring the law application, protecting the rights and freedoms of the citizens, implementing the political and economic reforms into the life.

The administrative reforms and various measures on regulating the state service have been gradually accomplishing in the country. The delegates of the conference underscored that one of the priority directions is the development of legal basis of state service subject to foreign experience.

They noted that ongoing reforms in the country in this sphere would serve as a reliable basis in building the democratic legal state and strong civil society.

The reforms now underway upon the initiative of President Islam Karimov in the system of healthcare open up still more broad prospects in rendering to patients the qualified medical aid, including in the sphere of cardiology, cardiac surgery and anaesthesiology, according to UzA.

The specialized surgery center named after the academician V.Vakhidov, which is one of the leading in Central Asia has enormous experience in this area.

The Uzbek scholars and doctors are comprehensively implementing in practice the scientific achievements of world medicine related with treatment the innate and gained heart diseases. Besides, they engaged in further enhancement these leading technologies. The specialists of the center annually render such medical aid to hundreds of patients.

With the goals to further expanding the scale of work in this direction, raising the quality of medical service rendering to local people, broadly using in practice the achievements of medical sciences, mastering the latest technologies the close ties have been established with the leading scientific centers and clinics of the world. Within the framework of this cooperation the specialists of the Riuniti clinic from the Italian city of Bergamo arrived to Uzbekistan. They participated at the almost twenty surgical operations.

The goal of visit of the Italian doctors, which is organized by the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan with an assistance of the Italian Embassy to Tashkent, is to fully learn the work underway in Uzbekistan in the sphere of cardiac surgery, as well as exchange the experience in using new technologies of treatment.

“During the trip to Uzbekistan we rendered efficient medical aid to several patients, who suffered with heart diseases”, - the head of the cardiologic department at the Riuniti clinic professor Orasio Valseki has said. - Participating at the operations, we were convinced in that your specialists gained enormous experiences in the sphere of cardiology. We are going to expand the cooperation with the Uzbek colleagues, as well as keep regular contacts in implementing to practice the scientific achievements”.

Uzbekistan is the fifth among Belarus' largest foreign trade partners. Thus, in 2007 the volume of bilateral trade between the countries grew by 62.7% to US$114.695 million from US$70.47 million in 2006, UzReportcom reported according to the Embassy of Belarus in Uzbekistan.

If we speak of the dynamics of trade between the countries, it is important to note that the figure has grown more than three times over the past eight years.

At this time Belarus' export to Uzbekistan exceeds import almost four times. Thus, in 2007 the exports to Uzbekistan comprised US$93.07 billion (US$54.24 billion in 2006), having grown by 71.6%.

The structure of Belarus' export to Uzbekistan is as follows: the largest share is contributed by the means of transportation – 54.4%; wood and wooden products comprise about 10.3%, electrical and mechanical machines and equipment – 10.3%, chemical products – 9.4%, food products – 5.4%, non-precious metals and ware – 4.7%, plastic, rubber and goods produced from them – 2.4%, construction materials – 0.7%, textiles and textile products – 0.6%, mineral products – 0.2%, and other – 1.5%.

Over the past eight years (since 2000) the volume of Belarus' exports to Uzbekistan has grown more than eight times from US$10.6 million to some US$93.07 million.

The country's imports from Uzbekistan grew accordingly by 33.2% from US$16.236 million in 2006 to US$21.626 million in 2007.

If we speak of the structure of imports from Uzbekistan, the following picture is visualized: a major portion of Belarus' imports from Uzbekistan consists of textiles and textile products (38.2%). It is followed by transportation means – 27.6%, food industry products – 13.1%, electrical and mechanical machines and equipment – 6.7%, chemical products – 4.1%, plastic and rubber goods – 3.6%, mineral products – 3.5%, non-precious metals and ware – 2.7%, and other – 0.5%.

Over the past eight years the Uzbek exports to Belarus dropped from US$24 million in 2000 to US$21.6 million in 2007.

The largest shipment of drugs this year weighing nearly 65 kg was seized in Uzbekistan, the press services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Uzbekistan told InterFax News Agency on February 24, 2008.

"In a special operation the officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Internal Affairs Department of Surkhandarya region seized a drug courier with 64.87 kg of hard drug in Saryasiya district (South of Uzbekistan on the border with Afghanistan and Tajikistan)," the source said.

It was also reported that a local resident attempted to smuggle drugs in his VAZ-2106 automobile. The militia officers uncovered three plastic bags containing viscous brown and white powder substances hidden in the front part of the car near the engine. As a result of the examination it was revealed that the bags contained 50 kg 987g of opium and 13 kg 884 g of heroin.

The detainee confessed that he had obtained the drugs from a citizen of Tajikistan, someone named Sanjar, who had transported them through detour routes and they both loaded them into his car. "We were planning to sell the shipment for US$90,000," the Ministry quoted drug-courier.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov is on a visit to the Republic of Korea. On February 25 Islam Karimov participated in the ceremony of inauguration of the newly elected President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak, UzA reported.

The Grand National Party candidate Lee Myung-bak won the presidential elections on December 19, 2007.

He is the first representative of business elected to the highest state post in South Korea. As a mayor of Seoul during 2002-2006, he accomplished notable changes in the city, winning respect and acknowledgement among the population.

The new South Korean president is an advocate of expansion of relations with foreign states. The Republic of Korea has viewed Uzbekistan as a traditionally friendly state.

Participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the inauguration ceremony is the evidence of successful development of relations between the two states.

On the same day, Islam Karimov held talks with the president of Korean Air Cho Yang Ho, which focused on cooperation between this company and ‘O‘zbekiston Havo Yollari’ (‘Uzbekistan Airways’). The two airlines signed a Protocol of intentions, according to which Uzbekistan should join Sky Team, the international aviation alliance, in 2008-2009.

Cooperation with the alliance, uniting the world’s largest air companies and controlling 35% of the passenger and cargo transportations, will allow Uzbekistan Airways to further integrate in the world aviation transportation system.

The President of Uzbekistan also held negotiations with the president of the Korea Gas Corporation Su Ho Lee. Back in March 2006, during Islam Karimov’s state visit to South Korea, KOGAS and Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas, national holding company) signed a Memorandum of understanding.

The document envisages exploratory works, development of fields and creation of joint ventures at Surgil deposit at the Ustyurt plateau, northwestern Uzbekistan. The total cost of the project is USD 1.84 billion. Apart from KOGAS, oil and gas companies of South Korea like Lotte, LG International, SK Gaz and STX Energy are also participating in the project.

At the talks, the sides discussed issues of cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz and KOGAS, as well as implementation of joint projects. A founding agreement and charter of the new joint venture UzKorGasChemical were signed.

Uzbekneftegaz and Daewoo International signed the agreement on exploratory works and development in investment blocks Kuskuduk and Ashibulok at the Ustyurt plateau. Uzbekyengilsanoat (Uzbek Light Industry) and Daewoo International signed a trade agreement.

The visit of the President of Uzbekistan to South Korea will end on February 26.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree on February 20, 2008 on awarding Russian President Vladimir Putin with the order “Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun” (“For Great Achievements”), UzA reported.

The order has been issued for Vladimir Putin’s achievements in “development and deepening of the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation” between the two countries, as well as “significant contribution to ensuring international security and stability”.

The newsmaker of the month in the exchange market for ferrous rolled metal is the Tashkent based Deutsche Kabel AG Tashkent JV. On February 17, 2008 it opened four contracts for the B500C type reinforcement at UzEX. The contracts were opened for the diameters 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm at the starting price of 1.45 million soums for a tonne, UzReportcom reported informed.

Having carried out the research of the market for steel reinforcement, the specialists of Deutsche Kabel AG Tashkent JV concluded that the demand for this product was stably high and would remain high in the medium-term perspective. The company decided to take up a niche in the segment of the steel reinforcement production by procuring the technology of cold rolling of imported steel billets and installation of the new technological line for the production of reinforcement of different diameters at the factory. Late last year the line was launched and the first batch was set for sale at the exchange.

The reinforcement of this type provides improved qualities in production of the ferro-concrete products, such as high weldability, tenacity and durability. Moreover, the resistance to stretching and contraction of this new type of reinforcement is higher than those of the AIII type reinforcement, which reduces the consumption of the resource by 10-15%.

At this time, the traders are actively working with their clients on the subject of procurement of B500C. The initial results of the trades will be known by the end of this week.

Newly approved Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, worked out upon the initiative of President Islam Karimov and forced in practice from January 1 2008, has a big importance in the economic life of the country as a main document in tax sphere.

The various events aimed at explaining the essence and meaning of the code and providing for the gradual application are taken in the country. Such kind of event “New Tax Code – the factor of development” was held at the Uzexpocenter in Tashkent, according to UzA.

At the opening of the seminar B.Parpiev, the chairman of State Tax Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, A.Shayhov, the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and other speakers drew attention on some important points of the tax code. They noted that the document yet more simplifies the order of taxation. The document also includes the unified list of taxes and obligatory payments, to have been operating in the territory of Uzbekistan, and defines the order of their accounts and payments.

In view of the adoption of the Tax Code the lawmakers have introduced the changes and addenda to the respective legislative documents.

One more peculiarity of the document points that the rights of taxpayers are broadened. In particular, the taxpayer in definite terms can defer the tax payment and other obligatory payments, and pay out them in parts, manifest own interests on the tax issues personally or through person empowered to act for.

The guests of the seminar got acquainted with the visual stands, which demonstrated the ongoing reforms on improving the tax policy, gradual decreasing of tax burdens, privileges for the entities of small business and entrepreneurship, foreign investment. The video showings presented the reports on new Tax Code. The attendees of the seminar among which were the heads of enterprises, organizations, and chief accouters, economists, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to meet with the new laws on tax.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Seoul on February 24, 2008 to participate in the ceremony of the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Korea, UzA reported.

At the talks with the South Korean leadership, the sides are expected to consider the current state and perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as important regional and international issues representing mutual interest.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow on February 22, 2008, UzA reported.

The main issue on the summit agenda was implementation of the Concept of development of the CIS adopted at the October 2007 summit in Dushanbe. The heads of states exchanged views on the important issues of CIS development and improvement of the activity of the CIS executive bodies and development of integration processes.

Realization of the programs of joint fight against crime, illegal circulation of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, and terrorism for 2008-2010 was also considered at the meeting.

Other discussed issues were the draft strategy of CIS economic development, coordination of policy in transport, and forming single energy and food markets.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov presented the country’s highest award – Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun (For Great Achievements) order – to President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The award was given for great contribution to development of cooperation and strengthening friendship between the two countries.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on February 20, 2008 signed a decree "On additional measures to liberalize conditions and ensure guarantees of population's deposits in commercial banks" aimed at further strengthening of trust in the banking system and stimulation of attraction of the population's free money resources in deposits, UzReportcom reported.

Today there are some 30 banks operating in Uzbekistan. Clients have the right to choose a bank, save money in the accounts of several banks and get his resources from any bank's branch irrespective of its location. It should be noted that more than 8,000 branches and divisions of commercial banks in all regions and inhabited areas of the country are serving their customers.

In the past years the Uzbek commercial banks have launched nearly 200 attractive types of deposits with market interest rates. The system of settlements on the basis of plastic cards is developing. Thus, the population's funds in commercial banks have grown 55 times since 2000 and have exceeded 1 trillion soums!

In line with the presidential decree "On additional measures to liberalize conditions and ensure guarantees of population's deposits in commercial banks", during the period from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2009 anyone can open deposit account in bank, deposit any amount of money (without limits) in national or foreign currency not submitting documents confirming the source of their origin.

Moreover, a depositor can deposit funds both in his individual account, and on the bearer account, i.e. anonymously, while the funds can be deposited in cash or transferring from personal accounts of depositor in foreign banks.

It should be emphasized that depositors not only do not need to submit declaration and other documents confirming the source of deposited amount, but also it is strongly banned to demand such papers. Besides, such inquiries are banned not only for banks, but also for authorities at the local level, law-enforcement bodies, taxation and other controlling structures.

One more important provision of the decree is that the money resources deposited by individuals in banks during 1 April 2008 – 1 April 2009 cannot be checked by taxation bodies, as there are exempted from all types of taxes and other obligatory payments.
The implementation of this decree will allow strengthening partnership trusting relations among the banks and the population increase significantly the attraction of free money resources in national and foreign currency in commercial banks' deposits, use them as investment sources for further development of economy and gradual increase of the Uzbek population's living standards.
 

A youth eco-forum titled "Competitiveness of young people – a success factor in the conditions of globalization and ecological challenges" was held on February 15, 2008 at the Presidium of the Sciences Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the initiative of the Ecosan International Organisation with the support of the Sciences Academy, Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan, and Kamolot Public Youth Movement, UzReportcom reported.

The event was conducted with the motto "modernization of the country – a way to economic growth and socio-ecological welfare."

Among the participants of the eco-forum were the representatives of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, eminent scientists and figures, heads of ministries, agencies, academic and industrial scientific-research institutes, higher educational facilities, young scientists and specialists, students, representatives of public organizations, business structures and journalists.

The Chairman of the International Ecosan Organisation Yu. Shadimetov delivered a report on young people's competitiveness as a success factor in the conditions of globalization and ecological challenges. In the report he spoke of the contemporary trends of globalization and ecological changes.

As pointed out in the report, today's world is a single shared space of information and communication, economic market, technology and intellectual products. The development of the Internet network, mobile telephony, television satellites have made it easy for the information, intellectual products and funds to be transported to different parts of the world. Standards, certification and quality systems are being unified.

The volumes of international trade, investments are increasing; the world is observing fast internationalization and innovation of the international currency system. The world has become more open.

Along with the positive effects of globalization, contemporary world is also observing the growing threats and challenges of the ecology. Ecological problems, such as the change of climate and degradation of soil, water issues, the loss of bio-diversity, pollution of air and other objects of the environment have become more acute. Ecological issues have become particularly urgent in the countries of the Central Asian region, where problem of the Aral Sea has speeded up the processes of desertification, loss of bio-diversity. The problems of transborder pollution of the environment, complex management of water-energy resources have grown in importance in the region.

In this sort of conditions entering the world of globalization and tough competition requires especially strong competitiveness of the country. The theory of competitiveness of the country stands out as one of the most important concepts to the global economy and policy, and is the determining factor in the conditions of strictly competitive world.

The key factors determining a country's competitiveness are the development of science, education and human potential as well as efficient use of human knowledge and skills for constantly improvement of technology, economic results, and life of the society as a whole.

In his pre-election programme, the President of the country Islam Karimov stated: "Our main task has to be to continue and intensify the policy of modernization of the country which we have already begun and which has proved to be efficient in practice."
The modernization of the country, its innovative development primarily depends on the level and quality of education, and the efficiency of the use of the gained knowledge and the integration of the scientific achievements and technology in the production process. Undoubtedly, the determining force and the base for the achievement of the tasks set are young people – a strategic resource of any country.

In light of this and taking into account the fact that one of the main conditions for the progress of the country is preparation of competitive, knowledgeable young specialists, participants of the eco-forum discussed different aspects of the development of that competitiveness in young people. In particular they named education, professional and economic competence, and the ways of creating the conditions for the development of these elements in youth, support of young entrepreneurs, and support of young people in their building of career in the contemporary conditions.

As noted by the participants of the eco-forum, the competitiveness of youth is an integral indicator, a complex of interrelated and mutually determining criteria and indicators characterizing the educational level, professional preparation, and active civil position. A competitive person should be well educated, be able to think and look globally and creatively into the future, and strive for the reformative actions and socially active life. This person should be a professional in his area of work, be able to use the latest technology, including information and communication technology necessary for the implementation of professional knowledge in the new economic, socio-cultural, political-legal and geopolitical situations. In other words one of the determining indicators of the young people's competitiveness is the ability to orientirovatsa wisely and find their way in the global world, where knowledge has become the main moving force of economic growth.

In the modern conditions of the growing ecological challenges and threats one of the key factors of the country's competitiveness is the quality of the environment. The ecological problems, the urgency of which grows with every new day require their effective solution. This, in turn, is impossible without the ecological platform for the development of the economy. It is extremely important to integrate modern ecologically clean technology, the programmes of resource and energy saving, alternative sources of energy, production of ecologically clean food products, modernisation of the funds of enterprises. The development of ecological innovations has become one of the highly profitable and fast-growing sectors of the world economy.

Participants of the eco-forum discussed in detail the key aspects of the development of new technological order – bio- and nano-technology, global information networks, energy-saving ecologically clean technology. International practice shows that the innovative development requires cooperation between the businesses and universities (schools, research institutes) in this field. Uzbekistan has all the chances to achieve success in partnership with the domestic and transnational business in the development of such spheres as bio-technology, nano-technology, information and communication technology, agro-technology, nuclear technology, new technology for hydrocarbon and mining-metallurgy industries, etc.

In order to find and stimulate talented young people, further raise their competitiveness and quality of the scientific-research works of young scientists, as well as for the purpose of developing the spheres of high technology, ecological innovations and other high-potential studies, the Ecosan International Organisation has founded 10 (ten) awards, each comprising 1 million soums for the best scientific research works of young scientists of Uzbekistan in such areas as ecology, development of bio- and nano-technology, information and communication technology, research studies on the problems of the change of climate, conservation of bio-diversity, etc. Annual contest will be conducted to stimulate the creative activity of young people, the expansion of their knowledge, the search for new ways of solving current problems that are on the daily agenda, and through all this to raise their competitiveness.

Eco-forum participants supported Ecosan's initiative, and called for ministries, agencies, business entities, public organizations which could join the organization of this contest or conduct similar industry-specific contests to also show their support to the iniative.

They discussed these issued in detail, and decided to develop the concept of the development of spiritual-moral culture and competitiveness being driven by the motto "youth – a strategic resource of Uzbekistan" and a target programme on "partnership for support of business activity and competitiveness of youth."

On the day of the eco-forum an exhibition of the scientific findings and currently run projects of young scientists and specialists was organized.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will visit the South Korea during February 24-26, 2008, UzA reported.

The head of the state will participate in the official inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of Korea.

At the expected talks with the South Korean leadership, issues related to bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues will be considered.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Moscow on February 22, 2008 to participate in the unofficial summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States, UzA reported.

The project of economic development of the CIS, strengthening security and stability, coordinating transport policy and forming the single power and food markets are also on the agenda.

The presidents will also discuss matters of regional and international importance.

A South Korean project to develop a large-scale natural gas field in Uzbekistan, which has seen no major progress over the past two years, will likely pick up speed when a joint venture deal is signed next week.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy and Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS), a consortium led by the state-run gas company, is scheduled to sign the joint venture deal with the UNG, the state gas unit of the Central Asian country, the Korea Times reported.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov, accompanied by his aides and business leaders, is set to visit Seoul on the occasion of the inauguration of Lee Myung-bak as the new South Korean head of state on Monday.

"A memorandum of understanding will be signed for the gas field development project during the Uzbek president's visit here next week," a ministry official said. Construction of a chemical plant in Uzbekistan also comes in the form of a package deal, according to officials.

A KOGAS spokesman explained that the consortium will set up a 50-50 joint venture with the UNG to develop the field and build a chemical plant, investing a total of US$2 billion.

Located in Surgil, western Uzbekistan (near the Aral Sea), the gas field is estimated to have over 4.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, according to experts.

KOGAS and UNG agreed on the Surgil gas field development project in March 2006, when Karimov visited Seoul to hold a summit with President Roh Moo-hyun.

South Korea, which relies heavily on imports for raw materials, has recently sought the development of natural resources in various package deals.

"We expect to produce some 3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas a year," the KOGAS official said. "Some two-thirds of the production will be sold to Russia through pipelines and the rest will be used to produce gas-based chemical products."
 

In the framework of the UNDP project "Capacity Building for Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) in Uzbekistan", the new web-site of the Designated National Authority for CDM has been launched in Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported.

The primary aim of the creation of this Internet resource is enhancement of community; national state and private companies', as well as foreign partners' awareness regarding the development possibilities and realization of projects with involvement of CDM investments in Uzbekistan.

Currently, information relating to the activities of the National Authority on the CDM projects, institutional structures of CDM and procedures of project approvals is available. In the section "Projects" besides portfolio of potential CDM projects, more detailed information about projects already approved by the Interagency Councils is presented.

In the section dedicated to "Events and seminars" materials of seminars on the issues of Clean Development Mechanisms implemented in Uzbekistan in the course of recent years are posted. Presentations are sorted by separate modules for convenient use.

The section "Documents" represents documents of the Executive Council on CDM, managing principles on elaboration of technical documentation for full and small scale CDM projects, existing formats and approved methodologies.

Publications on Clean Development Mechanisms prepared in the course of realization of TACIS and UNDP projects in Uzbekistan are also presented in respective section.

Other sections such "Partners" and "Tenders" can be interesting and useful for specialized organizations and potential investors.

An international roundtable meeting on "Tourism: new initiatives of the youth" was held in Tashkent on February 21, 2008. Centre of youth initiatives (CYI) Kelajak Ovozi (Voice of Future) and Forum of Culture and Art Fund organized the event which attracted more than 100 participants, UzA reported.

Alongside with the main initiators - activists of Kelajak Ovozi – professionals including heads of large travel agencies of Uzbekistan, representatives of state ministries and departments, experts on tourism of other countries shared their opinions concerning the development of tourism in Uzbekistan.

One of the basic actions planned within the framework of the roundtable meeting was the presentation of Kelajak Tur ('Future Tour') Bureau. The base for organizing the activity of the Bureau became interesting and actual initiatives of Kelajak Ovozi activists concerning the tourism and the role of young generation in its development. The decision on establishment of the Bureau of International Tourism and Cooperation Kelajak Tur was made in December 2007.

The bureau was created with the purpose of rendering assistance to the development of tourism in the country, development of cooperation with international organizations, further increase the international authority of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Primary tasks and ways of their solution of Kelajak Tur were presented within the framework of the presentation. The special attention is paid to the purposes and problems of activity, prospects of development of tourist direction, both within Uzbekistan, and at the international level, to the formation of partners circle for the further activity.

Representatives of tourist branches of Russia, France and Japan shared their experience in the sphere of development of international exchange with the participants of the roundtable meeting. Uzbek representatives mentioned a vital topic about the role and initiatives of the youth in the development of tourism industry of the historical cities of Uzbekistan.

The Development of tourism is impossible without precisely debugged infrastructure of air and land transport. Representatives of Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan Railways told participants about their assistance in the development of tourism at the level of Uzbekistan's international cooperation as well.

Tourism is one of developing branches of the national economy which requires young, initiative and talented experts. The round table became the first step on the way of formation of meaningful dialogue of young and initiative generation with professionals in tourist business.

Talking about the international tourism, it is very important to involve youth to the tourism sphere as a whole. In fact the youth has potential, energy and a never-ending stream of ideas which must be directed only to the appropriate channel. This certainly marks the idea of Kelajak Tur Bureau, as well as the Centre of youth initiatives Kelajak Ovozi.
 

In mid-February the Drujba (‘Friendship’) International Tournament on the table-tennis among the youth was held in Riga in Latvia. Along with the Latvian sportsmen 180 tennis players from Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia fought for victory, UzA reported.

Rimma Gufranova of the Uzbekistan national team secured the first place among the women of 1986-1991 years of birth. And among juniors Evgeniy Grudskiy has been awarded the silver medal.

The Uzbek tennis players among the young men and women of 1993-1994 years of birth faced no serious competition from other contenders. On the outcomes of the rounds Nodira Burkhonkhojaeva and Dilshod Khalikov earned two gold medals. Another representative of the national team of Uzbekistan Olga Kim secured the third place of pedestal. Besides, Muazzam Mukhammadjanova was awarded the third place among the 15 year-olds.

Thus, the Uzbek tennis players have wrapped up the Drujba International Tournament with three gold, one silver and two bronze medals, and secured the first place in the overall team result.
 

On February 19, 2008 in the city of Vienna the OSCE Permanent Council held its special session on the issue of independence of Kosovo, “Jahon” Agency reported.

During the session the text of the statement of Uzbekistan’s permanent representative to OSCE has been disseminated.

“All issues related to declaration of independence by countries must be resolved within the framework of the United Nations.

As far as the issue of Kosovo is concerned, Uzbekistan has not yet elaborated its final stand”.

The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (the Lower house of national parliament) hosted the conference “The protection of health and providing for employment of population – one of the main directions of deepening the social and economic reforms in the country in 2008”, UzA reported.

The conference, which was organized by the Committee of Labor and Social Issues of the Lower house of parliament, saw the participation of heads of ministries, agencies, organizations and establishments.

I.Nasriev, who presided over the conference, has said that Uzbekistan is accomplishing the profound work to provide for the health and raise the level of people’s employment.

To improve the diagnostic and treatment efforts the country pays a particular attention to expanding the network of the nationwide specialized medical centers which serve the patients while using the latest technologies.

The conference has revealed that more than 630 000 new jobs were created in 2007. Almost the two third of them were established in the rural area. About 65 percent of new jobs account for the sphere of small businesses and services, over 20 percent – for the sphere of home labor.

The measures taken on establishing the new jobs in 2007 provided for the decrease in a number of the unemployed to 5 percent.

The participants of the conference are also reported to have dwelled upon raising the level of employment of the youth. They have noted the significance of improving the current legislative basis on protection the rights and interests of the Uzbek young men and women.
 

The seminar devoted to cooperation between Uzbekistan and India in the field of tourism was organized in Tashkent, UzA reported.

National company “Uzbektourism”, Association of Private Tourist Organizations of Uzbekistan and Travel Agents Federation of India were main organizers of the event. Representatives of tourism firms from both countries have participated in it.

It was noticed at the seminar that relations between Uzbekistan and India in the field of tourism is consistently developing. Participants have discussed prospects of developing the interaction of tour operators of two countries.

Uzbekistan possesses large potential in the field of tourism. Tourists are very interested in visiting the unique historical monuments ancient in cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, which also have the mild climate.

In recent years, the tourism infrastructure has been consistently improved. New tourist routes were developed, modern hotels and new roads were built, existing roads were reconstructed.

New Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan Zauitbek Turisbekov presented credentials to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on February 19, 2008, UzA reported.

Islam Karimov congratulated the ambassador with the appointment to the post and wished him success in his mission in Uzbekistan. The President expressed satisfaction with the development of the Uzbek-Kazakh relations and stressed that the cooperation was based on mutual respect and trust.

Zauitbek Turisbekov said he considered it his duty to assist further strengthening of the bilateral relations and he would do everything to implement his mission successfully.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is based on the Eternal Friendship Treaty signed in 1998. During Islam Karimov’s visit to Kazakhstan in September 2006, the sides signed the protocol on creation of the Inter-state coordination council. The structure helps solve all issues related to cooperation in a timely manner.

The first session of the council took place in November 2006, during the visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Tashkent. In July 2007, when the Kazakh Prime Minister visited Tashkent, the council held its second session.

Kazakhstan is one of Uzbekistan large economic partners. In 2007, the mutual commodity turnover comprised more than USD 1 billion.

124 joint ventures with participation of Kazakh partners function in Uzbekistan. In Kazakhstan, about 100 joint ventures set up with Uzbek investors operate.

The two countries widely cooperate in the humanitarian sphere, too. Kazakh cultural centers operate in Uzbekistan and Uzbek cultural centers in Kazakhstan.
 

The business forum dedicated to the prospects of textile industry of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan alongside the support of Business Forum of Uzbekistan Project organized the event.

The representatives of several ministries and agencies, textile enterprises and companies took part in it, the report by UzA.

Alisher Shaikhov, the Chairman of Chamber, has said that the ongoing reforms in the country’s textile industry bear their positive results. The Resolution of President “On the program of modernization and technical reequipment of enterprises of textile industry for 2006-2008” serves as an important program document in this direction.

Last year the exports of textile products rose for 1,2 times. 34 enterprises from 66 which are part of the program of development, modernization, technical and technological re-equipment are manufacturing the finished products. The construction works and supply of equipment are being completed at other 20 companies. For over rather short period of time the volume of production in modernized companies has increased by 1,5 fold.

According to the delegates of the forum the Uzbek cotton is gaining yet more popularity year by year. Thanks to its length and strength the Uzbek cotton fully meets the international requirements. The capacity of the local textile companies allows to process annually 350 000 tons of cotton fiber, produce 300 000 tons of yarns, 195 million of linear meters of cotton fabric, and 160 million pairs of knitwear.

Also, at the forum the participants spoke on the last achievements of textile industry in Uzbekistan, reorganization and renewal, priority directions of attracting the investments to the sphere, conditions and advantages provided for the foreign investors.
 

The Tax Academy of the State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan held the seminar “On the path of raising the effectiveness of tax and other economic privileges”. The Committee of Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the budget and economic reforms organized the event, according to the UzA News Agency.

For over the period from 2000 to 2007 the income tax rate in the country was decreased from 38 to 10 percent, unified social payment – from 40 to 24 percent, unified tax for the entities of small business – to 10 percent. In 2007, thanks to the tax cuts the businesses in Uzbekistan additionally filled up their financial resources.

The participants of the seminar have noted the importance of decreasing the tax burden to business entities, which serves the cause of raising the effectiveness and competitiveness of economy. Thus, the micro-firms and small businesses are expected to have the unified tax cuts from 10 down to 8 percent. It will create favorable conditions for the accelerated development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship.

The commercial banks also allot the soft micro-loans for the new micro firms, small enterprises, dekhkan and farming entities to form their initial capital. To support the development of micro-firms, family businesses and the home labor the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank Microcreditbank is rendering the micro-leasing services on privileged terms.

The Senators of Oliy Majlis, the representatives of Ministries of Finance, Economy, Justice, Labor and Social Protection of Population, State Custom and Tax committees, State Property Committee and others are reported to have participated at the sitting.
 

Early February the Third Festival of International Exchange was held in Tokyo. The representatives of public organizations of Japan, administration of the city, as well as embassies of foreign countries participated at the event, Akmaljon Kuchkarov of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported from Tokyo.

The festival, which is organized regularly from 2006 and has become a vivid demonstration of the public democracy, contributes to strengthening the mutual understanding, feelings of friendship and sympathy among the nations.

The participants and visitors of the festival have had an opportunity to get acquainted with music and dance, traditions and customs of the people of Asia, Africa and Europe, and dip into the world of variety and fun.

A special interest drew the exposition of Uzbekistan organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Japan.

The objects of applied arts, goods from china and clay, booklets and brochures on historical sightseeing and tourist potential of Uzbekistan were demonstrated at the Uzbek stand.

The visitors of the festival learned about the unique projects on development the tourist infrastructure of Uzbekistan – construction of modern hotel complexes, restoration and betterment of architectural monuments and historical places of sightseeing in included to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was interesting for those who came to the festival to learn about the various tourist destinations and services in Uzbekistan offered by more than 200 tourist companies.

At the moment, thanks to direct air flights along the route Tashkent – Osaka – Tashkent thousands of Japanese people may travel to Uzbekistan and visit the ancient historical cities on the Great Silk Road.
 

The “First Uzbek-German summer academy on preserving the architectural heritage” held in Uzbekistan in September last year has summed up its outcomes in the city of Potsdam in Germany, Shukhrat Umirov of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported from Berlin.

The scholars, researchers and students of the Potsdam specialized higher educational institution, which have participated at the summer academy, shared their assessments and views on the results of official trip to Uzbekistan, rich architectural heritage of the Uzbek land, attention paid in the country to preserve and revive the historical monuments.

The rector of the institution, professor Y.Wielhaber said that the summer academic courses in which more than 70 specialists and students took part were organized jointly with the Ministry for Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan, Tashkent and Samarkand institutes of construction and architecture given the financial support of the MFA of Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Gerta Henkel Fund. According to him, these courses will further play an important role in implementing the joint projects in the future.

While speaking about the invaluable character of historical monuments of Uzbekistan Mr. Wielhaber has underscored that they are well known all around the world as unique architectural heritage of all mankind. He has highly assessed the measures undertaken by the government of Uzbekistan directed at studying and preserving historical monuments.

Professor B.Schtaigerwald told about the topography of historical monuments in the city of Samarkand and drew attention of participants of the event to the history of Afrosiab as well as the madrassah of Ulughbek, Sherdor and Tillakori in the Registan Square. He has said that carrying out the joint restoration works and implementing projects in this direction are very important in preserving these invaluable masterpieces for forthcoming generations.

Within the framework of the event the photography exhibition on the activities of the summer academy, television footages by the Davr News Program of the Uzbek television, documentary on the Uzbek historical architectural monuments have also been demonstrated.
 

On February 13, 2008 the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has signed the Decree «On measures of implementing the project of «Building and equipping public schools of Republic of Uzbekistan» with the participation of the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Saudi Fund for Development». The project provides financing of constructing and equipping over 25 public schools in Uzbekistan for over 7900 student places, UzA reported.

The soft loans provided by OPEC Fund for International Development for 5 million of US dollars and Saudi Fund for Development, equivalent to 16 million US dollars for the duration of 25 years with the preferential interest rate, and prove the strengthening financial and economic cooperation between Republic Uzbekistan and the Islamic country-donors in the framework of Coordination group of the Arab national and regional institutes of development (Arab Coordination Group). Islamic Development Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development are members of Arab Coordination Group.

The program of cooperation with members of the Arab Coordination Group, coordinated at joint session in Tashkent in July, 2007, provides implementation of 17 priority investment projects for total amount of about 800 million US dollars in such priority areas, as development of public health services, education, energy, transport and municipal infrastructure, improving the condition of soil in agriculture, and other fields.
 

The broad attraction of foreign investments is important in developing the economy, establishing the advanced and modernized companies.

The volume of assimilated foreign investments increased up to 58 percent and made up USD 1 billion last year. 76 of them are the direct foreign investments, according to the UzA News Agency.

At the moment, many companies created jointly with foreign partners are operating in Uzbekistan. The joint projects are making profound contribution to the development of the country’s economy. One of such joint ventures is Orient Mebel, the practical result of cooperation of business people of Uzbekistan and Cyprus.

Orient Mebel has been operating since 2002 and producing the kitchen furniture and doors of various size and design which are manufactured based on the latest technologies. Uzbekistan has channeled 11 percent of investments into the company with another 89 percent invested by Cyprus.

The consumers are increasingly using the quality, comfortable and competitive products of the JV with 100 people to be employed in the company.

The volume of production is rising year by year. In 2007 Orient Mebel produced UZS 6.5 billion-worth of goods. This year the company intends to raise this indicator by UZS 8 to 10 billion.
 

Zakhriddin Muhammad Babur has left enormous literary heritage. His fine poetry, and the noble ideas embodied in «Boburname» and other works, telling about a way of life, customs, the nature and values of the people of the East, continue to call the whole humankind for perfection and a mutual consent.

At the meeting called «The priceless heritage of the ruler and the poet», devoted to the 525 anniversary from the date of birth of Babur, was organized at Republican children’s library, UzA reported. The event was organized by National book chamber of Uzbekistan together with the Republican centre of spirituality. The scientists, experts, students and admirers of the classical literature participated at the event.

The poem competition was also organized during the event.

Participants of the event saw the exhibition organized in the library and devoted to a life, and activity Zakhriddin Muhammad Babur and his descendants.
 

Uzbekistan’s GDP increased by 9.5% in 2007, President Islam Karimov said at the Cabinet of Ministers session in Tashkent on February 8, 2008, UzA reported.

Speaking about the results of the country’s socioeconomic development last year, the head of the state said industrial production grew by 12.1%, agricultural production by 6.1%, paid services increased by 20.6% and contract-based construction works by 15.7%.

High export growth (40.7%) ensured stable balance of payment and increase of the gold reserves.

The inflation rate made up 6.8% and did not exceed the forecast, Islam Karimov said.

Favorable investment climate and realization of the industrial modernization program ensured 23% growth of investments in the economy. Foreign investments increased considerably, with FDI accounting for 83%.

The share of the private sector made up 85% of the GDP, 80% of industrial production and 100% of agricultural production and retail trade.

Reforms in agriculture continued last year, and farms became the main producers of the agricultural products. A wide network of market infrastructure has been created in the regions of the country, which provide required services to agricultural producers. More than 200 agro firms deal with complex processing of the agricultural products.

In the banking sector, charter capitals of commercial banks increased almost two times, while their cumulative capital grew by more than 40% against 2006 to UZS 1.5 trillion. The volume of micro credits issued to entrepreneurs and individuals increased by 70%.

The salaries, pensions, stipends and social allowances increased 1.5 times last year, with the average salaries reaching USD 210 in December 2007.

A total of more than 630,000 new workplaces were created, two thirds of which were in rural areas. About 65% of the new jobs were in the small entrepreneurship and service sectors, and more than 20% in the out-work sector.

The cardinal measures taken to create new workplaces allowed reducing the number of unemployed people to 5% at the end of 2007.

In his report, President Islam Karimov also spoke about the existing problems and touched upon the Program of measures to implement priorities and directions of socioeconomic development for 2008.
 

At the beginning of February this year, the delegation from the Arab Republic of Egypt came to Tashkent. The delegation was led by Mr. Tamer Halil, the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs. Within the framework of the visit the official foreign guests held meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Ministry of Healthcare and other agencies of the country.

While speaking to the Information Agency “Jahon” on the outcomes of the visit Tamer Halil noted, that the relations between Uzbekistan and the Arab Republic of Egypt are now dynamically developing in all spheres. He particularly underscored, that the official visit of H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Arab Republic of Egypt in April 2007 and achieved agreements between the heads of the two states ascended the bilateral relations up to a new level.

The establishment of direct air communications between Tashkent and Cairo from July 2007 and exchange the visits of business people of the two countries show the stimulation of the bilateral cooperation. The Egyptian representatives also actively participated in the events dedicated to the announcement of Tashkent as a capital of Islamic Culture in 2007 and presidential elections on December 23, 2007 as foreign observers in Uzbekistan.

In this visit the delegation discussed the issues on development and intensification of mutual beneficial cooperation between the two states in various spheres.

“Egypt is interested in stimulation of trade and economic cooperation with Uzbekistan. We pay particular attention to the activity of the Uzbek-Egyptian Joint Commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical relations,” - Tamer Halil has said.
 

The Institute of language and literature at the Academy of Science of Uzbekistan jointly with the Writers Union of Uzbekistan organized the traditional scientific conference, dedicated to the study of literature and scientific heritage of famous Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi, UzA reported.

S. Gulyamov, the vise-president at the Academy of Science of Uzbekistan and other scientists to the conference noted that for over the years of independence the Uzbek State pays a rapt attention to the comprehensive study of rich heritage of the great ancestors.

Due to this profound works 20-volume full collection of Alisher Navoi’s poems was published. The monuments of Navoi were erected in the country and abroad as a symbol of high respect to the great thinker. It became a tradition to broadly celebrate the birthday of the poet.

At the moment many world countries are giving deep interest in the immoral works of A. Navoi. Many poems of the poet were translated into several foreign languages. The example of this is the recent edition of the collection “Gazeli Navoi” in France. The book was prepared by the Murod Ergashev, the professor of Samarkand State University alongside with Jean-Jake Gate, the French art historian.

The conference saw the analyzing the achievements in this direction and problems to be solved.

Within the framework of the event the exhibition of Alisher Navoi’s poems, published in Uzbekistan and abroad as well as the new research works were demonstrated.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid an official visit to Russia on February 5-6, 2008, UzA reported.

At the talks in Moscow, President off Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Russia Vladimir Putin considered perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as cooperation in security and within international organizations.

Islam Karimov noted that the negotiations were a favorable opportunity to exchange views on the two countries’ relations and regional and international issues. He stressed that Uzbekistan considered Russia an important strategic partner.

Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the visit of the President of Uzbekistan would serve as a new impulse in deepening bilateral cooperation. He also congratulated Islam Karimov with winning the December 2007 presidential elections.

Cooperation with Russia occupies an important place in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan. The two countries signed the Strategic partnership treaty in 2004 and the Allied relations treaty in 2005.

Uzbekistan and Russia closely cooperate virtually in all spheres of economy. The volume of goods turnover increased by 48% in 2007 to USD 4.2 billion.

Islam Karimov and Vladimir Putin continued talks with participation of the members of the official delegations of Uzbekistan and Russia.

The presidents highly evaluated the state of multilateral cooperation between the two states. At the same time, they noted, there was a huge unused potential in both economic and social spheres.

The heads of governments, ministries and departments were entrusted with developing measures to expand cooperation between the countries.

After the negotiations the sides signed the Joint communiqué of the presidents, the intergovernmental Program of economic cooperation for 2008-2012, the intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in aircraft building and the Program of cooperation between the foreign ministries for 2008.

In the communiqué, the heads of two states expressed satisfaction with the present state of cooperation. They also outlined the sides’ intentions to expand relations in the economic, scientific, technical, investment and humanitarian cooperation.

The economic cooperation program covers issues like stable economic development of the two states, expansion of trade and economic ties, stimulating entrepreneurship contacts, joint development and implementation of large projects and agricultural cooperation.

During the visit to Moscow, President Islam Karimov also received Lukoil company president Vagit Alekperov and chairman of board of directors of Rusal company Oleg Deripaska. The talks focused on cooperation in oil and energy, and mining sectors, respectively.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Russia on an official visit on February 5, 2008, UzA reported.

At the talks in Moscow, the sides are expected to discuss the state and perspectives of Uzbek-Russian relations, cooperation in security, as well as regional and international problems representing mutual interest.

A number of bilateral documents on expansion of cooperation in various spheres will be signed during the visit to the Russian capital.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia has been developing in line with the Allied relations treaty signed in 2005. The mutual respect and trust of the heads of two states, as well as common views on cooperation, security and stability, play an important role in the bilateral relations.

Russia accounts for more than 30% of Uzbekistan’s external commodity turnover. The list of export and import includes machinery and equipment, energy carriers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, cotton fiber, plastics, wood, food and agricultural products.

The volume of mutual turnover increased by 48% last year to USD 4.2 billion.

527 enterprises created jointly with Russian investors operate in Uzbekistan, together with 139 representative offices of Russian companies.

The number of enterprises set up in Russia with participation of Uzbek investments is 293.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to the Russian Federation on 5-6 February on the invitation of this country’s President Vladimir Putin, UzA reported.

During the visit, the sides are expected to consider the state and perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as important regional and international issues and cooperation within international organizations.

A number of bilateral documents will be signed during the visit, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two states in various spheres.

According to the Decree of the President Islam Karimov "On Abolition of Death Penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan” dated 1st August 2005, the death penalty was abolished in our country effective 1st January 2008.

The new year has started with important and memorable events in the life of our people and the country. As it has been noted by the President Islam Karimov in his facilitation message on the occasion of a New Year, 23rd December Presidential Elections which were held on basis of principles of openness, publicity and impartiality, had become a school of democracy and a new stage in establishing the free democratic state and civil society in Uzbekistan, where the highest values are human interests and rights.

According to the Decree of the President of the Republic Uzbekistan, the death penalty was abolished in our country, effective 1st January 2008. This type of punishment has been replaced with life imprisonment, which can be applied ever since only to those convicted of terrorism and premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances. At the same time, life imprisonment cannot be applied to women and individuals under 18 and men over 60.

As foreign and local experts acknowledges, the criminal legislation drafting policy towards death penalty in Uzbekistan fully corresponds to the processes taking place in the world and is based on the principle of humanism set up in the country’s Constitution. The President noted that this also corresponded with the cultural values of our people, which have always considered an individual and his life as a supreme value.

It is noteworthy that the abolition of death penalty is one of the results of the gradual judicial and legal reforms in the country. Thus, it is necessary to emphasize that the Decree of the President Islam Karimov dated 1st August 2005 "On Abolition of Death Penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan” was an important step toward securing the constitutional rights and freedoms of every individual and first of all - effective protection of right to live.

Respective ministries and agencies have consistently been developing and realizing measures needed to ensure implementation of the Degree’s objectives. The Presidential Degree “On Additional Measures to Develop Legislative and Normative Acts required to be adopted in connection with Abolition of Death Penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan” adopted on 29th June 2006 has become an important aspect for ensuring sound implementation of activities in this area.

It is noteworthy that the consecutive explanatory work has been done among the population in order to explain the value of liberalization of criminal laws, including the abolition of death penalty. Considering the fact that from early times of the history the mankind applies a death penalty to those who committed grave crimes, it becomes clear how much it was important to take into consideration the opinion of the population regarding abolition of this type of punishment.

Respective legislature was amended, thus providing exclusion of the death penalty from the criminal sanction system and its replacement with life and long-term imprisonment. The Law “On Amendments and Additions to Several Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in accordance with Abolishment of Death Penalty” adopted on 29th June 2007 by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, being a principal legislative act providing implementation of the Degree of the head of state, has determined the procedures of imposition and implementation of such types of sentences.

Exclusion of death penalty from the criminal sanction system has become actual expression of state policy in this area and was enthusiastically taken by our people as a manifestation of humaneness. International community adequately and positively assesses Uzbekistan’s confident steps in this direction.

In accordance with the Presidential Degree dated 8th August 2005 “On Transfer of the Sanction to Arrest to Courts”, effective 1st January 2008 this function has been transferred to courts thus becoming one of the practical results of gradual reforms in the country’s judicial and legal system.

It is well known that the most important purpose of further liberalization of the judicial and legal system is a widening of courts’ authorities and enhancement of a judicial review in order to protect constitutional rights and liberties of citizens at pre-trial and inquiry phase. In this context the transfer from offices of the prosecutor to courts of the sanction to arrest gains particular importance.

The process of stage-by-stage and gradual transfer to courts of the sanction to apply procedural-compulsory measures relating to limitation of constitutional human rights and liberties, of course, were also thoroughly scrutinized. At the same time the particular attention was paid to address all organizational-legal issues as well as to required preparation of the judiciary system and related law enforcement agencies and offices of the prosecutor to changes.

In one word, this innovation has once again has acknowledged that by the initiative of the head of state in all purposeful measures aimed at enhancement of independence and freedom of judicial branch of power in Uzbekistan were carried out on basis of principle of consistency. There is practically a new judiciary and legal system as well as legal basis of judicial power’s independence has been established in the country.

Every time similar historical events strikingly and earnestly confirm the highest value of the independence. Because of the independence, human life and rights are among the highest values in our country.

The main idea, principle purpose of the country’s modernization, current broad democratic reforms aimed at the society’s renovation is the principle “Reforms – for human being, for ensuring his interest!”